November 27th, is celebrated in the US, as thanksgiving. Here is a snipets from an editorial of the New York Times about thanksgiving, making the point that it is only through darkness we see the brightness of the light. In adversity we often see the best of humanity.
But today, Thanksgiving has been rendered harmless - all triumph, no adversity - which is fitting, now that we have become a nation that refuses to admit the hardships we face, and the sacrifices required, (and) Roosevelt appreciated that only by confronting our biggest challenges head-on can we defeat them, and have something to be truly thankful for. (Cohen, A., A Celebration With Darker Currents, NYT Editorial, Nov. 27. You will need to register to read this article)
I also wanted to include some comments from an email that I receive called Slice of Infinity. In this particular email Jill Carattini talks about reciprocation (that is repaying kindness for kindness, and compliment for compliment). For this reason, Cialdini argues that much obliged has become synonym for thank you. (Robert Cialdini, Influence: Science and Practice, 20)
Today, we often reciprocate mindlessly, take this psychology experiment for example: a professor sent Christmas cards to a large list of strangers to test the Rule of Reciprocation. The response was astounding. Cards came pouring back to him, all from people he had never met, the vast majority never even inquiring into the identity of the unknown sender! They simply received his card, and automatically sent one in return (Slice of Infinity, November 27 2003)
But there is another sense, when you can’t reciprocate the gift, for example when another person saves your life. Or for as us Christians, we are changed by the gift. The gift that came when Christ willingly took the death that was ours. These words from Watt’s Hymn truly sum up our response to this awesome act of Grace, and Mercy)
Alas! and did my Savior bleed,
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head,
For such a worm as I?
Thus might I hide my blushing face,
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can ne’er repay,
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away,
’Tis all that I can do.
Isaac Watts, Alas and Did my Savior Bleed? 1707.)
This thanksgiving I was reminded of a comment by Philip Jensen, printed in the Southern Cross, a while back. Thanksgiving is something that would be good to import into Australia. Especially for Christians, as the bible commands us to be a people of thankfulness In the article he mentions a man he met through church who spends thanksgiving work out whom they should be thanking – and actually writing notes to these people and thanking God for them.
I want to end here with a list of thank you’s, for I have much to be thankful to God for this year. I am deeply thankful for the love, friendship and support of my family; my parents, my brother Matt, and my sister Lynley (in the UK now).
This year I left my church this year and moved to Sydney, I am thankful to God for the pastor, Peter de Salis, his family, and the wider church family, for their faithful teaching, their faithful example, which has truly encouraged, and strengthened me. They truly hold me in their hearts, and I hold them all in mine.
Thirdly God’s blessing on my move. God’s blessed me with two awesome Godly Christian flatmates, Gary, and Greg. He has also blessed me with a faithful mission minded church, and God has continued to reveal Christ to me through Paul Grimmond’s faithful teaching.
Fourthly, the friendship and encouragement of my bible study group. Guan, Matt, Bek, Jami, Viv, Kate, and assorted visitors have truly encouraged me as we together have wrestled over the passages, and seen Christ reveal His truth. Meeting with Matt and Guan to pray with and for each other has been a great blessing. Their Godly example has been a true encouragement to me.
God’s blessing of work, has been amazing, after my teaching job ended, I didn’t really know what I was going to do. Through Karen I found work at UNSW. Once that ended I started working at SPRC in October 2001 on a temporary basis, I’ve now been there over two years, and that’s been simply God’s provision, and, though I could go on, finally, the overseas trip I had in July-August, was awesome it taught me a fair bit about myself.
But above all these, I thank my Lord, for the death of His son, through whom all things were made that have been made, and through whom salvation was bought for all, who turn to Him as LORD.
Sunday, November 30, 2003
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Two Quizzes ... one slow morning ...
[Via Rach]
You are Linus. Sure, you're just a kid who carries
around a security blanket, but you're pretty
intelligent, and you know the true meaning of
Christmas.
Peanuts Quiz
brought to you by Quizilla
You believe in doing the right thing, but aren't
always sure what that is.
What is Your Shakespearian Tragic Flaw?
brought to you by Quizilla
You are Linus. Sure, you're just a kid who carries
around a security blanket, but you're pretty
intelligent, and you know the true meaning of
Christmas.
Peanuts Quiz
brought to you by Quizilla
You believe in doing the right thing, but aren't
always sure what that is.
What is Your Shakespearian Tragic Flaw?
brought to you by Quizilla
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Humanity..
Humanity is our common lot. All men are made of the same clay. There is no difference, at least here on earth, in the fate assigned to us. We come of the same void, inhabit the same flesh, are dissolved in the same ashes. But ignorance infecting the human substance turns it black, and that incurable blackness, gaining possession of the soul, becomes Evil.
Hugo, V., Les Miserables p 622.
It is a striking paragraph to read, referring to ignorance as evil. If we look at James (2:15-16), and 1 John (3:16-18) we see that true love is an active love; true love sees a need a meets it.
The above quote caused me to reflect on my life, and Australia. It seems to me that we are wealthier than we have ever been before, but we are less willing to share. Australia has much it can offer those unfortunate souls who are forced to leave their home. Fate deals some people cruel blows, and we say thanks that their fate is not mine. We have no idea what it is like to flee your home. We have no idea what it is like to fear for your life. We simply don’t know. Yet it seems to me that our society takes the blessings we have as birthrights, and these blessings are not to be shared, they are to be earned.
We live in a society that largely is ignorant of those in need. It is seen in the way we dehumanise those who seek asylum on our shores. We lock them up, men, women, and children, we lock them up indefinitely. Our papers have carried stories in the past week about how locking children up impacts them, and clearly these voices are ignored.
But its also for me about the lack of leadership. The need for a bold, courageous leader, who stands against the trend and brings the offer of better times.
+++
Twenty-Second November Nineteen-Sixty-three
I realised yesterday that its 40 years since the death of President Kennedy. I’m not American, and I wasn’t alive when he was president, but I’ve always been fascinated by his Presidency, which ended with his assassination in 1963.
Now, I think if I was alive, or if Kennedy has been President in my lifetime I may have a different opinion of him. But I’ve been spending time reading his Inaugural address from 1961, and there is a lot about it that speaks to me, and speaks to, or of, our society today.
Now the trumpet summons us again--not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need--not as a call to battle, though embattled we are-- but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"--a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.
To me 21st Century Australia, needs to listen to these words. We are still battling poverty, though our government denies it exists, we are still battling for the recognition of Human Rights, though our nation, and others, claim these rights can be forfeit. We fight the same apathy, we fight the same indifference. But;
the times are too grave, the challenge too urgent, and the stakes too high--to permit the customary passions of political debate. We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that can guide us through that darkness to a safe and sane future. As Winston Churchill said on taking office some twenty years ago: if we open a quarrel between the present and the past, we shall be in danger of losing the future.
Today our concern must be with that future. For the world is changing. The old era is ending. The old ways will not do.
Our need is courageous leadership, a leadership that seeks to do what is right, not expedient. The voices that say the world has changed, are the voices of the past, the voices that cry the battle is new, are speaking retreat, not progress. The future is ours to seize should we take hold of the torch that has been passed to us.
Hugo, V., Les Miserables p 622.
It is a striking paragraph to read, referring to ignorance as evil. If we look at James (2:15-16), and 1 John (3:16-18) we see that true love is an active love; true love sees a need a meets it.
The above quote caused me to reflect on my life, and Australia. It seems to me that we are wealthier than we have ever been before, but we are less willing to share. Australia has much it can offer those unfortunate souls who are forced to leave their home. Fate deals some people cruel blows, and we say thanks that their fate is not mine. We have no idea what it is like to flee your home. We have no idea what it is like to fear for your life. We simply don’t know. Yet it seems to me that our society takes the blessings we have as birthrights, and these blessings are not to be shared, they are to be earned.
We live in a society that largely is ignorant of those in need. It is seen in the way we dehumanise those who seek asylum on our shores. We lock them up, men, women, and children, we lock them up indefinitely. Our papers have carried stories in the past week about how locking children up impacts them, and clearly these voices are ignored.
But its also for me about the lack of leadership. The need for a bold, courageous leader, who stands against the trend and brings the offer of better times.
+++
Twenty-Second November Nineteen-Sixty-three
I realised yesterday that its 40 years since the death of President Kennedy. I’m not American, and I wasn’t alive when he was president, but I’ve always been fascinated by his Presidency, which ended with his assassination in 1963.
Now, I think if I was alive, or if Kennedy has been President in my lifetime I may have a different opinion of him. But I’ve been spending time reading his Inaugural address from 1961, and there is a lot about it that speaks to me, and speaks to, or of, our society today.
Now the trumpet summons us again--not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need--not as a call to battle, though embattled we are-- but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation"--a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.
To me 21st Century Australia, needs to listen to these words. We are still battling poverty, though our government denies it exists, we are still battling for the recognition of Human Rights, though our nation, and others, claim these rights can be forfeit. We fight the same apathy, we fight the same indifference. But;
the times are too grave, the challenge too urgent, and the stakes too high--to permit the customary passions of political debate. We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light the candle that can guide us through that darkness to a safe and sane future. As Winston Churchill said on taking office some twenty years ago: if we open a quarrel between the present and the past, we shall be in danger of losing the future.
Today our concern must be with that future. For the world is changing. The old era is ending. The old ways will not do.
Our need is courageous leadership, a leadership that seeks to do what is right, not expedient. The voices that say the world has changed, are the voices of the past, the voices that cry the battle is new, are speaking retreat, not progress. The future is ours to seize should we take hold of the torch that has been passed to us.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Beach Mission
Been down in Wollongong this weekend for a beach mission house party, for those who are not familiar with Beach Mission – Beach Mission are run by Scripture Union, on a large number of sites on the coast of Australia, and also inland. The aim is to reach families on holidays with the Gospel.
The weekend has taught me a lot about the grace and faithfulness of God. You see this year will be different on the surface, this year we have a team of about 25, not the 40 or more we are used to. But this year is not different. God does not change. God is faithful. It is the same God who used a stuttering man, who worked through an unwilling servant, through whom the mouths of Lions were stopped, through whom 300 men defeated a host.
Our God does not change. Our God is a surprising God, and through weakness, He is shown to be strong, in defeat comes victory. God’s word will go forth. God’s word will return. Souls will be changed. Not in, through, or because of us. But because our God is slow to anger, abounding in love and compassion, who desires that all will turn and live, that all would bow their knee’s to Jesus.
And this is the Gospel that we preach on Mission. Please pray, that God will continue to fulfill his promises, and that throughout all these missions, the gospel will be proclaimed faithfully, and that God’s work would be done, that in God’s mercy, the lives of all would be changed, they lives of the team-members, as they see God act, and that those who hear the message would come to know Our Maker, as their Saviour.
The weekend has taught me a lot about the grace and faithfulness of God. You see this year will be different on the surface, this year we have a team of about 25, not the 40 or more we are used to. But this year is not different. God does not change. God is faithful. It is the same God who used a stuttering man, who worked through an unwilling servant, through whom the mouths of Lions were stopped, through whom 300 men defeated a host.
Our God does not change. Our God is a surprising God, and through weakness, He is shown to be strong, in defeat comes victory. God’s word will go forth. God’s word will return. Souls will be changed. Not in, through, or because of us. But because our God is slow to anger, abounding in love and compassion, who desires that all will turn and live, that all would bow their knee’s to Jesus.
And this is the Gospel that we preach on Mission. Please pray, that God will continue to fulfill his promises, and that throughout all these missions, the gospel will be proclaimed faithfully, and that God’s work would be done, that in God’s mercy, the lives of all would be changed, they lives of the team-members, as they see God act, and that those who hear the message would come to know Our Maker, as their Saviour.
Monday, November 17, 2003
Church and Family can save kids ..
I read this article in the Sun Herald this morning, an American study Hardwired to connect: The New Scientific Case for Authoritative Communities recently released has claimed that the "brain is biologically hardwired for enduring attachments to other people, and for moral and spiritual meaning."
The study comes up with some interesting conclusions: that we are not captive to our genes anymore than we are clay in the hands of social engineers; they also claim, the human brain is designed to seek answers to life's purpose and meaning. And in relation to health and well being - religion has a protective effect against depression and loneliness. "Personal devotion" or a "direct personal relationship with the Divine" is associated with reduced risk-taking and better mental health.
The other comment the article makes is that what contributes to negative health outcomes is the decline of the "Authoritative communities". By authoritative community they refer to groups that live out the types of connectedness that our children increasingly lack. They are groups of people who are committed to one another over time and who model and pass on at least part of what it means to be a good person and live a good life. Renewing and building them is the key to improving the lives of U.S. children and adolescents. (from Hardwired to Connect, Exceutive Summary)
Unsurprisingly further conclusions of the report were: "surrounding kids with a richly nurturing environment from birth through adolescence is critical to promoting their healthy physical, emotional, moral, and spiritual development." and, "Positive social, moral, and spiritual development is integral to the healthy overall development of children and youth, and, consistent and effective nurture from committed and caring adults."
So our social fabric is in trouble as the place of religion in Australian society is shrinking ... glancing at the Census figures we see, those who claim to have no religion increase from 3% (1911), to 27% (2001), and in 2001, 10% of Australians claim to be in church on Sunday.
The study for me highlights that God's way is the best way, after all, He did make us in His Image.
The study comes up with some interesting conclusions: that we are not captive to our genes anymore than we are clay in the hands of social engineers; they also claim, the human brain is designed to seek answers to life's purpose and meaning. And in relation to health and well being - religion has a protective effect against depression and loneliness. "Personal devotion" or a "direct personal relationship with the Divine" is associated with reduced risk-taking and better mental health.
The other comment the article makes is that what contributes to negative health outcomes is the decline of the "Authoritative communities". By authoritative community they refer to groups that live out the types of connectedness that our children increasingly lack. They are groups of people who are committed to one another over time and who model and pass on at least part of what it means to be a good person and live a good life. Renewing and building them is the key to improving the lives of U.S. children and adolescents. (from Hardwired to Connect, Exceutive Summary)
Unsurprisingly further conclusions of the report were: "surrounding kids with a richly nurturing environment from birth through adolescence is critical to promoting their healthy physical, emotional, moral, and spiritual development." and, "Positive social, moral, and spiritual development is integral to the healthy overall development of children and youth, and, consistent and effective nurture from committed and caring adults."
So our social fabric is in trouble as the place of religion in Australian society is shrinking ... glancing at the Census figures we see, those who claim to have no religion increase from 3% (1911), to 27% (2001), and in 2001, 10% of Australians claim to be in church on Sunday.
The study for me highlights that God's way is the best way, after all, He did make us in His Image.
Saturday, November 15, 2003
Language
I read this interesting article in the Australian this week, Don Watson, (the former speech writer for Paul Keating, and author of Recollections of a Bleeding Heart, and Death Sentence: The Decay of Public Language)
In the article he talks of the decay of language from our leaders, and the vision statements of our blue chip companies. The language we have left is the;
language of management – for which read the language of virtually all corporations and companies, large and small, public service departments, government agencies, libraries, galleries and universities, the military, intelligence organisations and, increasingly, politics – this language that cannot describe or convey any human emotion, including the most basic ones such as happiness, sympathy, greed, envy, love or lust. You cannot tell a joke in this language, or write a poem, or sing a song. It is language without human provenance or possibility.
In the article he talks about the importance of language, and how, language unites us to the world, and to each other; its mangling always means those tethers are broken.
The paragraph with which he closes his article is quite striking, its constructed from John 1…
In the beginning was the Word. And in the Word was the truth – and the heart and the mind. And if you take it away from us, we are poorer and the democracy is weaker. If anyone else feels that this country is not the home it was, I think they should go to the words, before we lose the power of sensible speech altogether.
The political-speak we see, with Bush, Blair, and Howard, is not inspiring, is not active.. it does not provoke us like we speeches of yester-year, for example, Lincoln, Kennedy or King.
I really want to spend some time reading and reflecting on it. Is it Orwell who talks about our freedom, and ideas are tied into to our language, and to take our ability to express is to begin to take our freedoms??
+++
It has been a lovely week … I turned 26 this Tuesday, November 11. It was a different birthday, for starters, it’s the first birthday since I’ve moved out, but on top of that my parents were having a much deserved holiday in Tasmania, and my sister is over in London, as I mentioned earlier.
It was really nice to come down and have dinner with Karen and Ben. I remember meeting Karen, the first year I was at Uni, and we were paying to go to MYC in 1996. Karen’s birthday fell during the week, and I remember spending the last night chatting with her. Which was really awesome. I really treasure the friendship of both Karen and Ben, that have always been there to lend an ear, and above all, they are true examples of what it means to follow Jesus.
I’m down in Wollongong again now, spending the day with my parents, and brother, celebrating my birthday. Tomorrow, I’m heading back to Sydney, to farewell a couple of friends from England, who will be flying back to England on Tuesday.
In the article he talks of the decay of language from our leaders, and the vision statements of our blue chip companies. The language we have left is the;
language of management – for which read the language of virtually all corporations and companies, large and small, public service departments, government agencies, libraries, galleries and universities, the military, intelligence organisations and, increasingly, politics – this language that cannot describe or convey any human emotion, including the most basic ones such as happiness, sympathy, greed, envy, love or lust. You cannot tell a joke in this language, or write a poem, or sing a song. It is language without human provenance or possibility.
In the article he talks about the importance of language, and how, language unites us to the world, and to each other; its mangling always means those tethers are broken.
The paragraph with which he closes his article is quite striking, its constructed from John 1…
In the beginning was the Word. And in the Word was the truth – and the heart and the mind. And if you take it away from us, we are poorer and the democracy is weaker. If anyone else feels that this country is not the home it was, I think they should go to the words, before we lose the power of sensible speech altogether.
The political-speak we see, with Bush, Blair, and Howard, is not inspiring, is not active.. it does not provoke us like we speeches of yester-year, for example, Lincoln, Kennedy or King.
I really want to spend some time reading and reflecting on it. Is it Orwell who talks about our freedom, and ideas are tied into to our language, and to take our ability to express is to begin to take our freedoms??
+++
It has been a lovely week … I turned 26 this Tuesday, November 11. It was a different birthday, for starters, it’s the first birthday since I’ve moved out, but on top of that my parents were having a much deserved holiday in Tasmania, and my sister is over in London, as I mentioned earlier.
It was really nice to come down and have dinner with Karen and Ben. I remember meeting Karen, the first year I was at Uni, and we were paying to go to MYC in 1996. Karen’s birthday fell during the week, and I remember spending the last night chatting with her. Which was really awesome. I really treasure the friendship of both Karen and Ben, that have always been there to lend an ear, and above all, they are true examples of what it means to follow Jesus.
I’m down in Wollongong again now, spending the day with my parents, and brother, celebrating my birthday. Tomorrow, I’m heading back to Sydney, to farewell a couple of friends from England, who will be flying back to England on Tuesday.
Thursday, November 13, 2003
Sport and Religion, Chapter and Verse
The below is some reflections that I have been having on the place of sport in Australian life, more particularly my own... but it seems symptomatic of Australian society (Melbourne Cup day was mooted for a public holiday again .. Anzac Day, has a game of football - AFL, New Years Day has the Cricket test.. and I go on....)
+++
For our nation, Sunday comes, and it is time to head to the cathedral again not with stained glass windows but towers of light, not with bibles, but the Record or the Big League we sing the club song instead of Hymns, and we chant, shout and sledge.
This is the cathedral of the 21st Century, the Australian Church, as we worship mortals chasing leather, reading their scripts, and watching them act, in the theatre of dreams, rather than singing praises to the mighty and living creator.
We dress for the occasion wearing our colours as we see good, wrestle evil. For a season, our dreams are their dreams, we unite with colleagues discussing the common dream, a grand final win, a semi final birth, and the great robbery under lights, our fate, united to theirs, as we read their scripts, and dread that the off season will be long once again.
The stadiums of today, are theatres of dreams, idols of weary souls, as we find fulfillment in two numbers after 90mins, rejoiced for days, confined to history, and remembered by few. The promises it offers as we see heroes run around writing a script we wish was from ourselves. We join with them seeing our place in the sun come, as they to the battle field go.
Football, (or whatever sport you run with) is a major distraction from removing us from worshipping the living Creator, as it drags us all to easily away from our church family, and away from the Creator God.
Our nation won't see a ticker tape parade without a World Cup, without gold medals, a ticker tape parade will not come for harmony, melody, and unity, for poetry, for dance, for success in science. We do not value the word, woven into music, painted into art, and spun into a story.
And as our heroes fade, their achievements seemingly etched in time; these figures and achievements become folklore, and players are deified as God, the greatest Australian, or Australian of the year - anyone stating other, slandered, or ignored, or even called un-Australian.
+++
For our nation, Sunday comes, and it is time to head to the cathedral again not with stained glass windows but towers of light, not with bibles, but the Record or the Big League we sing the club song instead of Hymns, and we chant, shout and sledge.
This is the cathedral of the 21st Century, the Australian Church, as we worship mortals chasing leather, reading their scripts, and watching them act, in the theatre of dreams, rather than singing praises to the mighty and living creator.
We dress for the occasion wearing our colours as we see good, wrestle evil. For a season, our dreams are their dreams, we unite with colleagues discussing the common dream, a grand final win, a semi final birth, and the great robbery under lights, our fate, united to theirs, as we read their scripts, and dread that the off season will be long once again.
The stadiums of today, are theatres of dreams, idols of weary souls, as we find fulfillment in two numbers after 90mins, rejoiced for days, confined to history, and remembered by few. The promises it offers as we see heroes run around writing a script we wish was from ourselves. We join with them seeing our place in the sun come, as they to the battle field go.
Football, (or whatever sport you run with) is a major distraction from removing us from worshipping the living Creator, as it drags us all to easily away from our church family, and away from the Creator God.
Our nation won't see a ticker tape parade without a World Cup, without gold medals, a ticker tape parade will not come for harmony, melody, and unity, for poetry, for dance, for success in science. We do not value the word, woven into music, painted into art, and spun into a story.
And as our heroes fade, their achievements seemingly etched in time; these figures and achievements become folklore, and players are deified as God, the greatest Australian, or Australian of the year - anyone stating other, slandered, or ignored, or even called un-Australian.
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Armistice Day
Today we commemorate the end of World War One, which ended at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th Month.
In that light, I thought it would be appropriate to spend a moment, not just thinking or reflecting on, what they died for, but also to pray for those in active service across the globe, from Australia and all other nations.
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces, and most especially those whose mission places them in harm's way. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (adapted from prayer 25, Book of Common Prayer page 823)
And likewise, today we should also pray for peace..
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. (Prayer 4, Book of Common Prayer page 815).
In memory of those who died in war, and in the firm and fervent hope
of a just and lasting peace for all people, we ask that you pour your gift of healing grace upon us.
Comfort and strengthen those who suffer from oppression and natural disaster,
from hunger and isolation, from illness and sorrow.
And keep us all ever mindful of the peace that is more than the absence of war
the peace that is the presence of compassion and understanding,
faith and hope, justice and love, throughout all creation.
Help us to build a world that has no room for hatred, no place for violence,
a world in which love can live
God, be in our hearts and thinking as we bring our memories into the light of your love..
(the full service sheet can be found here)
In that light, I thought it would be appropriate to spend a moment, not just thinking or reflecting on, what they died for, but also to pray for those in active service across the globe, from Australia and all other nations.
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces, and most especially those whose mission places them in harm's way. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. (adapted from prayer 25, Book of Common Prayer page 823)
And likewise, today we should also pray for peace..
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. (Prayer 4, Book of Common Prayer page 815).
In memory of those who died in war, and in the firm and fervent hope
of a just and lasting peace for all people, we ask that you pour your gift of healing grace upon us.
Comfort and strengthen those who suffer from oppression and natural disaster,
from hunger and isolation, from illness and sorrow.
And keep us all ever mindful of the peace that is more than the absence of war
the peace that is the presence of compassion and understanding,
faith and hope, justice and love, throughout all creation.
Help us to build a world that has no room for hatred, no place for violence,
a world in which love can live
God, be in our hearts and thinking as we bring our memories into the light of your love..
(the full service sheet can be found here)
Sunday, November 09, 2003
Thoughts for a Sunday.
O, for a heart to praise my God
A heart from sin set free
A heart that always feels they blood
So freely shed for me
A heart resigned, submissive, meek
My great redeemers throne
Where only Christ is heard to speak
Where Jesus reigns alone
A heart in every thought renewed
And full of love divine
Perfect and right and pure and gold
A copy, Lord of thine.
Charles Wesley, (cited in Packer, J.I. A Passion for Holiness, 24)
A heart from sin set free
A heart that always feels they blood
So freely shed for me
A heart resigned, submissive, meek
My great redeemers throne
Where only Christ is heard to speak
Where Jesus reigns alone
A heart in every thought renewed
And full of love divine
Perfect and right and pure and gold
A copy, Lord of thine.
Charles Wesley, (cited in Packer, J.I. A Passion for Holiness, 24)
Aussies's top 100 Books
[Thanks to Deb, and Errantry]
I was reading a few entries on the top 100 books and I thought I’d join in..
Books I’ve Read
The Lord of the Rings - Tolkien J R R
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets - Rowling J K
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Rowling J K
Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone -Rowling J K
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Rowling J K
The Power of One - Courtenay Bryce
The Hobbit - Tolkien J R R
Pride & Prejudice - Austen Jane
The Bible - GOD
To Kill A Mockingbird - Lee Harper
Tomorrow, When The War Began - Marsden John
Narnia Chronicles - Lewis C S
Clan of the Cave Bear - Auel Jean
Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy - Adams Douglas
Bourne Identity - Ludlum Robert
IT - King Stephen
The Firm - Grisham John
Circle of Friends - Binchy Maeve
Emma - Austen Jane
Tandia - Courtenay Bryce
Books I own and intend to read:
True History Of the Kelly Gang Carey Peter
Books I love.
For me a books that I love is a book that I can just read … I can open at any page and just read. A book whose characters jump fluidly from the page into my mind leaving a lasting impression of care in my mind. They are also books with rich dialogue, and often also a lasting point, or message, that makes me think.
On that list, for me… Ender’s Game, (and the other books in the Ender Saga, and Shadow Saga). Orson Scott Card is a beaut Science Fiction writer, who has really written some beaut stories that leave you thinking, and who’s dialogue leaves an impression on your mind, and brings the characters to life in your mind. I also really love Hugo’s Les Miserables. I was reading that last night before I went to bed, and the vividness with which he describes Valjean, Javert, Fantine, and the Thenardier’s are wonderful. You really know, and come to love the richness, realness, of the characters.
I was reading a few entries on the top 100 books and I thought I’d join in..
Books I’ve Read
The Lord of the Rings - Tolkien J R R
Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets - Rowling J K
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Rowling J K
Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone -Rowling J K
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Rowling J K
The Power of One - Courtenay Bryce
The Hobbit - Tolkien J R R
Pride & Prejudice - Austen Jane
The Bible - GOD
To Kill A Mockingbird - Lee Harper
Tomorrow, When The War Began - Marsden John
Narnia Chronicles - Lewis C S
Clan of the Cave Bear - Auel Jean
Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy - Adams Douglas
Bourne Identity - Ludlum Robert
IT - King Stephen
The Firm - Grisham John
Circle of Friends - Binchy Maeve
Emma - Austen Jane
Tandia - Courtenay Bryce
Books I own and intend to read:
True History Of the Kelly Gang Carey Peter
Books I love.
For me a books that I love is a book that I can just read … I can open at any page and just read. A book whose characters jump fluidly from the page into my mind leaving a lasting impression of care in my mind. They are also books with rich dialogue, and often also a lasting point, or message, that makes me think.
On that list, for me… Ender’s Game, (and the other books in the Ender Saga, and Shadow Saga). Orson Scott Card is a beaut Science Fiction writer, who has really written some beaut stories that leave you thinking, and who’s dialogue leaves an impression on your mind, and brings the characters to life in your mind. I also really love Hugo’s Les Miserables. I was reading that last night before I went to bed, and the vividness with which he describes Valjean, Javert, Fantine, and the Thenardier’s are wonderful. You really know, and come to love the richness, realness, of the characters.
Friday, November 07, 2003
Just when you thought it safe to cross the ditch . . .
Was reading the SMH over lunch, and found this - Look after your purse and mind the wobbling. It seems that DFAT have put out new travel advice for New Zealand.
Thursday, November 06, 2003
CS Lewis on Prayer
Master, they say that when I seem
To be in speech with you,
Since you make no replies, it's all a dream
-One talker aping two.
They are half right, but not as they
Imagine; rather, I
Seek in myself the things I meant to say,
And lo! The wells are dry.
Then, seeing my empty, you forsake
The Listener's role, and through
My dead lips breathe and into utterance wake
The thoughts I never knew.
And thus you neither need reply
Nor can; thus, while we seem
Two talking, thou are One forever, and I
No dreamer, but thy dream.
(C.S. Lewis, 'Poems', Ed. Walter Hooper (New York: Harcourt Brace
Jovanovich, 1964), 122-123.)
To be in speech with you,
Since you make no replies, it's all a dream
-One talker aping two.
They are half right, but not as they
Imagine; rather, I
Seek in myself the things I meant to say,
And lo! The wells are dry.
Then, seeing my empty, you forsake
The Listener's role, and through
My dead lips breathe and into utterance wake
The thoughts I never knew.
And thus you neither need reply
Nor can; thus, while we seem
Two talking, thou are One forever, and I
No dreamer, but thy dream.
(C.S. Lewis, 'Poems', Ed. Walter Hooper (New York: Harcourt Brace
Jovanovich, 1964), 122-123.)
Tuesday, November 04, 2003
Some more reflections on the Rugby
With the pool stage of the World Cup now finished, attention has wandered to the Quarter Finals which will begin on Saturday November 8.
But before I get all swept up in that, there's a memory or two that I wanted to share. On Saturday, during the South Africa v Samoa game, we all saw the spectator, run on to the field and try to tackle the South African goal kicker as he converted the final try.
What we all didn't see was after the tackle, all of the Samoan and South African teams, swapped jerseys, then formed a circle, and then prayed together. It was awesome to see.
It brings back for me, memories of the Springbok side of 1995, who after beating New Zealand in the final knelt down and prayed. What a way to celebrate!
But before I get all swept up in that, there's a memory or two that I wanted to share. On Saturday, during the South Africa v Samoa game, we all saw the spectator, run on to the field and try to tackle the South African goal kicker as he converted the final try.
What we all didn't see was after the tackle, all of the Samoan and South African teams, swapped jerseys, then formed a circle, and then prayed together. It was awesome to see.
It brings back for me, memories of the Springbok side of 1995, who after beating New Zealand in the final knelt down and prayed. What a way to celebrate!
Saturday, November 01, 2003
Pokarekere Ana
I just thought, for those who read this who are not Kiwi's I'd post the words of the traditional Maori song.
+++
Pokarekere Ana
(Trad. Arr. Sarah Cass; George Martin Music Ltd./Universial Publishing Limited)
Pokarekere ana
Nga wai o waiapu
Whiti atu koe hine
Marino ana e
E hine e
Hoki maira
Kamate au
- i te aroha e
Tuhituhi taku rita
taku ata taku ringi
Kia kiti to iwi
Raru raru ana e
E hine e
Hoki maira
Kamate au
- i te aroha e
E hine e
Hoki maira
Kamate au
- i te aroha e
Kamate au
- i te aroha e
Translation:
Stormy are the waters
of restless Waiapu
If you cross them, girl
They will be calmed
Oh girl
Come back to me
I could die
Of love for you
I write you my letter
I send you my ring
So your people can see
How troubled I am
Oh girl
Come back to me
I could die
Of love for you
Oh girl
Come back to me
I could die
Of love for you
I could die
Of love for you
===
+++
Pokarekere Ana
(Trad. Arr. Sarah Cass; George Martin Music Ltd./Universial Publishing Limited)
Pokarekere ana
Nga wai o waiapu
Whiti atu koe hine
Marino ana e
E hine e
Hoki maira
Kamate au
- i te aroha e
Tuhituhi taku rita
taku ata taku ringi
Kia kiti to iwi
Raru raru ana e
E hine e
Hoki maira
Kamate au
- i te aroha e
E hine e
Hoki maira
Kamate au
- i te aroha e
Kamate au
- i te aroha e
Translation:
Stormy are the waters
of restless Waiapu
If you cross them, girl
They will be calmed
Oh girl
Come back to me
I could die
Of love for you
I write you my letter
I send you my ring
So your people can see
How troubled I am
Oh girl
Come back to me
I could die
Of love for you
Oh girl
Come back to me
I could die
Of love for you
I could die
Of love for you
===
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